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From Neutrality to War. Chapter 22. Europe: A Powder Keg Waiting to Ignite. How could the murder of an archduke start a world war? Central Powers (Bad Guys) Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire Allied Powers (Good Guys) Britain, France, Russia Imperialism, Nationalism, and Militarism
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From Neutrality to War Chapter 22
Europe: A Powder Keg Waiting to Ignite • How could the murder of an archduke start a world war? • Central Powers (Bad Guys) • Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire • Allied Powers (Good Guys) • Britain, France, Russia • Imperialism, Nationalism, and Militarism • Control of raw materials
Wilson Adopts Neutrality • “…impartial in thought as well as action...” The European war is one “…with which we have nothing to do, whose causes cannot touch us…” • Americans made money off of the neutrality policy • Neighborhood sympathies caused problems • By the end of 1914 war was at a stalemate in Europe • It was supposed to be a quick war…taxi cabs
Challenges to Neutrality • War at stalemate – starve your enemies! • British blockade of ships, even US ships • “Our firm had never for one moment…” • Germans unleash a new weapon: U-Boat • Was this fighting dirty? • Wilson to Germans: Total accountability for casualties!
“Murder on the High Seas!” • Allies, and Wilson call for Germany to stop unrestricted submarine warfare • Germany responds by sinking the Arabic • Wilson sends a strongly worded note – Germans agree to stop sinking ships without warning • Sussex Pledge offered by Germany after sinking the Sussex • Would spare all merchant lives; called for US to make Britain end its blockade of CP supply lines
Preparedness and Propaganda • Talk of neutrality, or military preparedness – which is the best guarantor of peace? • Preparedness movement – building up military strength in an effort to be “ready if necessary” • Propaganda – “whipping up support” for your side (p. 289) • Why is / was propaganda so effective? • Neutrality “in thought” proved to become resentment of German and Central Power countries
“War to End All Wars” • Wilson goes before the Senate: • 1. Peace without victory for warring nations • 2. A “league of honor” • Germany responds by escalating their efforts; US breaks off all relations • Zimmerman Note: If US enters the war, Mexico and Germany should become allies